The prevalence of social media in our daily lives is directly linked to a rise in mental health issues among teenagers and children. Efforts are being made by advocates and legislators to introduce new policies aimed at enhancing the safety of minors’ online experiences. The two bills garnering support from Attorney General Leticia James seek to address these concerns.
“It has been discovered through studies that young individuals are spending an increasing amount of time on the internet, with teenagers typically being online for a minimum of eight hours daily,” remarked AG James. Reports from the U.S. Surgeon General indicate that up to 95% of individuals aged 13 to 17 are active on at least one social media platform.
AG James emphasized, “Social media is contributing to a crisis in youth mental health nationally. It is imperative that we address this crisis within the state of New York and ensure the online protection of our children, free from exploitation and detrimental effects on mental health.”
Additionally, the SAFER Kids Online Act and the New York Child Protection Act are being advocated for. The SAFER Kids Online Act would compel social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to regulate addictive algorithms. Educators, speaking at a recent rally, highlighted the adverse impact of excessive screen time on students’ academic performance.
The New York Child Protection Act, on the other hand, aims to prohibit the unauthorized collection, purchase, and dissemination of young individuals’ data. Lawmakers in New York stress the necessity of establishing protective measures given the current digital educational environment.
It is argued that big tech companies prioritize profitability over the well-being of youth. State officials express dissatisfaction with the federal government’s slow progress in enacting online safety measures. The objective of the proposed policies is not to eliminate social media but rather to create a safer online environment for young users.